Rucking system

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present disclosure of a rucking system that includes a stackable plate assembly having a first plate and a second plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityto and benefit of U.S. patent application Serial No. 17/508,573, filedOct. 22, 2021, which in turn claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/104,193, filed Oct. 22, 2020, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a rucking article.

BACKGROUND

Rucking is an exercise regimen that is used in military trainingprotocols to build strength and endurance. A person carries a weightedsack or bag while completing various activities, like running, push-ups,etc. Specially designed nicking articles can be worn like a backpack andalso include compartments for holding weighted plates, or nickingplates.

Stability during use is important because of a wide range of upper andlower body movements involved in traditional nicking training protocols.The nicking article should carry weight but not necessarily inhibit auser's balance and agility across a wide range of body movements duringuse. Such a design allows a user to customize workout routines based onthe desired regimen.

Conventional exercise articles often cause discomfort due toinsufficient lumbar support, lack of padding, and abrasive fabrics thatresult in friction burns, constricted movement during exercise regimens,and injury.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a nicking system thatincludes a nicking article and/or a plurality of stackable weightedplates that can slidingly fit within a pocket of the nicking article.

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a nicking system havinga nicking article, a first plate, and a second plate. The nickingarticle includes a base, a top spaced from the base, lateral sides thatextend from the base toward the top, a front panel coupled to the base,and a back panel coupled to the base, the top, and the lateral sides.The back panel includes an exterior side, an interior side opposite theexterior side, and a first pocket on the interior side, wherein thefirst pocket has an internal pocket volume. The first plate includes afirst length, a first width that is perpendicular to the first length, afirst thickness that is perpendicular to the first length and the firstwidth, and a first weight. The second plate includes a second length, asecond width that is perpendicular to the second length, a secondthickness that is perpendicular to the second length and the secondwidth, and a second weight that is the same as the first weight orgreater than the first weight. The first length and the second lengthare substantially the same and the first width and the second width aresubstantially the same, such that, when the first plate and the secondplate are stacked adjacent to each other to form a plate assembly, theplate assembly slidingly fits in substantially an entirety of theinternal pocket volume of the first pocket.

Another embodiment of the disclosure is a rucking system having a firstplate and a second plate. The first plate includes a first end, a secondend opposite the first end, a first length that extends from the firstend to the second end, a first width that is perpendicular to the firstlength, a first thickness that is perpendicular to the first length andthe first width, and a first weight. The first length is greater thanthe first width and the first thickness. The second plate includes afirst end, a second end opposite the first end, a second length thatextends from the first end of the second plate to the second end of thesecond plate, a second width that is perpendicular to the second length,a second thickness that is perpendicular to the second length and thesecond width, and a second weight that is the same as the first weightor greater than the first weight. The second length is greater than thesecond width and the second thickness. The first length of the firstplate and the second length of the second plate are substantially thesame and the first width of the first plate and the second width of thesecond plate are substantially the same, such that, when the first plateand the second plate are stacked adjacent to each other, the first andsecond plates slidingly fit in an internal pocket volume of a pocketinside a nicking article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments of the present application, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the present application, there is shown in thedrawings illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should beunderstood, however, that the application is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a nicking article according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the nicking article shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the nicking article shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the nicking article shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the nicking article shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a front panel of the nicking article shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an interior view of the front panel shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an interior view of the back panel of the nicking articleshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the exterior of the back panel shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the back panel shown inFIG. 8, taken along line I-I;

FIG. 11 is another side view of the nicking article shown in FIG. 1,with shoulder straps removed to illustrate the lumbar support members;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a first weighted plate according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the first weighted plate shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a back plan view of the first weighted plate shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a second weighted plate according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the second weighted plate shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a back plan view of the second weighted plate shown in FIG.15;

FIG. 18 is a side view showing the first and second weighted platesillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15, stacked and configured as a plateassembly; and

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the plate assembly shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a rucking system 1 thatincludes nicking article 2 and/or a plurality of stackable weightedplates 120 and 220 that can slidingly fit within a pocket of the nickingarticle. The stackable weighted plates may include a first weightedplate 120, which may be a 10 lb. plate and a second weighted plate 220,which may be a 20 lb. plate. The weighted plates are generally referredto herein as plates or ruck plates. By combining the first and secondweighted plates 120, 220 into a plate assembly 105, and inserting theplate assembly in the pocket of the nicking article, the user can tailorthe weight placed in the nicking article for a given exercise regimen.The dimensions and location of through holes in the weighted plates 120,220 allow for a precise dimension to be attained, which allow theweighted plates to held by the pocket, while achieving a given load inthe rucking article, such as at least 30 lbs.

A rucking article may be referred to as a nicking sack, rucker, or nicksack, and is specifically configured to hold weighted plates, e.g., ruckplates. The nicking article is designed to be carried, lifted, etc., bythe user, during physical activity as a training regimen. The nickingarticle 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includesa combination of features that improves stability when worn and when theuser engages in an exercise regimen that involves a wide range of upperand lower body movements. More specifically, the inclusion of lumbarsupport members 42 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5), a rigid internal frame assembly 68(FIGS. 9 and 10), and a sternum strap 24 (FIG. 2) combine to establishboth rucking article stability and rigid support that helps betterdistribute loads across the user's upper and lower back during use.Stability and rigid support are advantageous results of the constructionof the nicking article described herein, especially when the user iscarrying weighted plates inside the article while also engaging instrenuous exercise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the rucking article 2 includes a base 4, atop 6 spaced from the base 4, lateral sides 8, 10, a front panel 30coupled to the base 4, and a back panel 50 coupled to the base 4, thetop 6, and lateral sides 8, 10. A pair of shoulder straps 14, 16 areconfigured to secure the nicking article 2 to a user and the sternumstrap 24 is removably coupled to the shoulder straps 14, 16 tocontribute to article stability during use, as described above. Aclosure system 12 may be used to selectively open and close the nickingarticle 2 to permit access to an interior of the article 2, as will befurther described below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 4 and top 6 are spaced apart along aheight direction A, the front panel and back panel are spaced part alonga depth direction B, and the lateral sides 8,10 extend between the frontpanel 30 and the back panel 50 along the depth direction B. The lateralsides 8, 10 are spaced apart with respect to each other along a lateral(or width) direction C. Thus, the height direction A is substantiallyperpendicular to the depth direction B and lateral direction C. Theorthogonal directions A, B, and C are used in the present disclosureonly for illustrative purposes to aid in clarifying the relativepositions of components of the nicking article 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base 4 of the rucking article 2 includes opposedinner and outer edges and opposed sides (not numbered) that extendbetween the opposed inner and outer edges (not numbered). The base 4 iscomprised of durable woven fabrics that may encase a cushion member,e.g., a foam, felt, batting, or other compressible material.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the lateral sides 8, 10 and the top 6 may bedefined by a sidewall assembly 22 that is fixed to the back panel 50 andbase 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall assembly 22 definesa rearward edge 26 coupled to the base 4 and the back panel 50 and anoutward edge 28 that includes a first closure element 18 of the closuresystem 12. The closure system 12 thus removably secures a portion of thefront panel 30 to the sidewall assembly 22. In an alternativeembodiment, however, the top 6 and lateral sides 8, 10 could also beseparate components that are coupled together. The sidewall assembly 22may be comprised of durable woven fabrics that may optionally encase acushion member.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the front panel 30 is coupled to the base 4and removably coupled to the top 6 and lateral sides 8, 10 via theclosure system 12. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the front panel 30 has anexterior side 32, shown in FIG. 6, an interior side 34, shown in FIG. 7,and an outer perimeter 36. The exterior side 32 includes an externalzippered pocket 38 and webbing loops 40 located toward a bottom end (notnumbered) of the front panel 30. Webbing loops 40 may be used toremovably couple various items to the nicking article 2. The interiorside 34 includes several pockets (not numbered) for holding items asneeded, as best shown in FIG. 7. The front panel 30 includes a secondclosure element 20 of the closure system 12. As illustrated, the secondclosure element 20 extends along a majority of the outer perimeter 36,for example, along both lateral sides and top of the outer perimeter 36.The front panel is comprised of durable woven fabrics and may includehigh tenacity yarns to form the woven fabrics.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the back panel 50. The back panel 50 is showncoupled to the base 4, the top 6, and the lateral sides 8, 10 andremovably coupled to front panel 30. In terms of construction, as shownin FIGS. 8-11, the back panel 50 has a bottom edge 56 coupled to thebase 4, a top edge 58 opposite the bottom edge 56 coupled to the top 6,a first lateral edge 60, and a second lateral edge 62 opposite the firstlateral edge 60. The back panel 50 has an exterior side 52 that faces auser's back when the nicking article 2 is worn by the user, and aninterior side 54 opposite the exterior side 52. The back panel 50defines a panel height H that extends from the bottom edge 56 to the topedge 58 and a width W that is perpendicular to the height H. Referringto FIG. 10, which is a schematic cross-section of the back panel 50, theback panel 50 has one or more panel layers that hold and secure variouscomponents of the back panel 50 as further explained below.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the back panel 50 includes a plurality of padmembers 64, a lumbar support member 42, and an internal frame assembly68 encased within a compartment of the back panel 50. An exterior panellayer 70 defines the exterior side 52 of the back panel 50. The exteriorpanel layer 70 and interior panel layer 72 encase one or more cushionelements, which form and define the plurality of pad members 64 andlumbar support member 42. The cushion elements may comprise an open cellfoam, closed cell foam or any other compressible and resilient materialsuitable to provide support. In one useful example, the lumbar supportmember 42 comprises a cross-linked polyolefin foam and the plurality ofpad members comprise cross-linked polyolefin foam. Adjacent to theinterior panel layer 72 is the internal frame assembly 68 and adjacentto that is another panel layer 74, to which a pocket assembly 94 isattached. Panel layer 74 may define a portion of the interior side 54 ofthe back panel 50. A plurality of stitch lines 76 along the exteriorpanel layer 70 define the size and shape of the plurality of pad members64 and the lumbar support member 42. The plurality of pad members 64 areshown located on the exterior side 52, extend across the width of backpanel 50, and biased toward the top 6 of the article 2. The lumbarsupport member 42 itself is located between the plurality of pad members64 and the base 4 and is positioned to support a user's lower back whenthe rucking article 2 is worn.

Continuing with FIGS. 8-10, it is the size, shape, and position of thelumbar support member 42 that contributes to overall article stabilityand lower back support. In the illustrated embodiment, the lumbarsupport member 42 has a base side 82, a first lateral side 84 a, asecond lateral side 84 b opposite the first lateral side 84 a, an apex86 spaced from base side 82, a first top edge 88 a that extends from thefirst lateral side 84 a to the apex 86, and a second top edge 88 b thatextends from the second lateral side 84 b to the apex 86. As shown, thefirst top edge 88 a and the second top edge 88 b are angularly offsetwith respect to the first lateral side 84 a and the second lateral side84 b, respectively. The lumbar support member 42 may have other shapesand configurations as needed. For instance, the first and second topedges 88 a and 88 b may be substantially perpendicular to the lateralsides 84 a and 84 b. There may be multiple separate lumbar supportmembers, as needed.

The lumbar support member 42, or multiple lumber support members as thecase may be, has coverage across the back panel 50 that contributes todesired article stability during use. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the lumbar support member 42 extends across an entirety ofthe width W of the back panel 50. Furthermore, the lumbar support member42 extends between 10% and 25% of the total height H of the back panel50.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the lumbar support member 42 projectsoutwardly relative to the pad members 64 sufficient to allow the lumbarsupport member 42 to contact the user's lower back while allowing thepad members 64 to contact the user's upper back. More specifically, thelumbar support member 42 has an overall thickness that is greater than athickness of any one of the plurality of pad members 64. Here, we definethe thickness T as the difference between elevation of the lumbarsupport member 42 and the pad members 64. In this regard, the pluralityof pad members 64 define a plurality of planar contact surfaces (notnumbered) that lie along a first plane P1, and the lumbar support member42 defines a contact surface (not numbered) that lies along a secondplane P2. The thickness T is the distance between plane P1 and plane P2(along a perpendicular line that intersects both planes P1, P2). In theembodiment shown, the thickness T is between 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches.In one example, the thickness T is 0.25 inches. In another example, thethickness T is 0.3 inches. In another example, the thickness T is 0.375inches, in another example, the thickness T is 0.40 inches. In anotherexample, the thickness T is 0.5 inches. The thickness T may fall outsidethese ranges. However, a thickness T between 0.25 and 0.50 inches isparticularly useful when combined with other stability features, such asthe internal frame assembly 68 and sternum strap 24.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the internal frame assembly 68 is encasedwithin a compartment of the back panel 50. In the illustratedembodiment, the internal frame assembly 68 comprises a planar rigidmember 90 and a foam layer 92 sitting adjacent the planar rigid member90. The planar rigid member may be a plastic sheet or metallic sheet asneeded. It may comprise a monolithic component or could be multiplecomponents stitched together. It may include through holes or openingsfor weight reduction. The planar rigid member 90, however, has a sizeand shape that generally extends across a substantial entirety of thewidth W of the back panel 50 and a substantial entirety of the height Hof the back panel 50. The foam layer 92 sits adjacent the planar rigidmember 90 and is generally coextensive with the height and width of theplanar rigid member. In other words, the foam layer 92 and planar rigidmember 90 have a similar size and shape. The internal frame assembly 68therefore supports the integrity of the article as it is weighed down,which allows a user to carry a heavier load more comfortably, and alsocontributes to article stability during use.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the rucking article 2 is configured to holdweighted plates with the pocket assembly 94. The pocket assembly 94 iscoupled to the interior side 54 of the back panel 50 and has at least afirst pocket 96 and a second pocket 98. Each of the first and secondpockets 96 and 98 are sized and selected to firmly hold a rucking orweighted plate therein. The first pocket 96 has a first pocket panel 100attached to the interior side 54 of the back panel 50, which defines apocket length y and a pocket width z. The pocket length y isperpendicular to the pocket width z. The first pocket has a pocket depth(not shown) that is perpendicular to the pocket width z and the pocketlength y. Collectively, the pocket length y, pocket width z, and pocketdepth define an internal pocket volume. A closure flap 99 is secured tothe back panel 50 and is used to open or close access to the firstpocket 96. As illustrated, the first pocket panel 100 is spaced apartfrom the base 4 and lies approximate the top 6, such that the firstpocket panel 100 is biased toward the top of the back panel 50. Morespecifically, a bottom end 102 of the first pocket panel 100 is spacedfrom the bottom edge 56 of the back panel a distance x that is between20% and 30% of a total height H of the back panel 50.

The pocket assembly design works in conjunction with the other designelements of the rucking article 2. In this regard, the first pocket 96does not overlie any portion of the lumbar support member 42 along theexterior side of the back panel. In other words, the first pocket ispositioned inside the rucking article 2 so that it does not interferewith position and use of the lumbar support member 42. In use, this canbe important as the pocket position keeps the weight elevated on theuser's back and permits the lumbar support member 42 to provide supportwhere it is designed to, i.e., the lower back. This, in turns, helpscreate improved stability for a wearer by aiding even distribution ofloads by the internal frame assembly. The sternum strap 24, in turn,also aids stability by helping position the weighted plate where it isintended to be—the user's upper back off of the lumbar area.

The second pocket 98 has a second pocket panel 104 that overlies thefirst pocket panel 100. The second pocket panel 104 defines a top edge106 that sits below the closure flap 99 with the closure flap 99 in aclosed position. The second pocket 98 may be gusseted or pleated toaccommodate one or more plates. An elastic strap 108 extends across thetop of the second pocket 98 to help secure items therein.

The rucking article 2 includes shoulder straps 14, 16 that extendbetween the top and lateral sides proximate the top and partiallyoverlay the back panel 50. The shoulder straps are configured to securethe rucking article 2 to a wearer. In certain embodiments, the shoulderstraps 14, 16 are extra padded to carry heavier loads more comfortably.

The sternum strap 24 is removably coupled to the shoulder straps andconfigured to be selectively clasped as needed to facilitate improvedstability. The sternum strap includes a first strap portion (not shown)removably coupled to shoulder strap 16, a second strap portion (notshown) removably coupled to shoulder strap 14, a first clasp member 110slidably positioned along the first strap portion, and a second claspmember 112 slidably positioned along the second strap portion. The firstand second clasp members 110, 112 can be connected together as needed.The sternum strap 24 can be repositioned along different loops coupledto the shoulder strap to adjust the positioning of the sternum strap 24relative to the user. The combination of the lumbar support members 42(FIGS. 2, 3, 5), a rigid internal frame assembly 68 (FIGS. 9 and 10),and sternum strap 24 (FIG. 2) are configured to maintain stability ofthe nicking article 2 during active movement by the wearer when therucking article is worn, and the sternum strap is clasped.

FIGS. 12-19 illustrate exemplary weighted plates 120, 220 for insertionin the first and second pockets 96 and 98. In accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, two or more weighted plates 120,220 can be stacked together and inserted in the pockets 96 and/or 98, asshown in FIGS. 18 and 19. In the illustrated embodiment, each weightedplate 120, 220 has a length, width, and thickness (as further describedbelow) that are selected such that the weighted plates slidingly fitwithin the first pocket 96 or second pocket 98 without substantialmovement therein. In other words, the pockets 96, 98 and weighted plates120, 220 have similar dimensions. In addition, the size and location ofthrough holes in the weighted plates 120, 220 allow for a precisedimension and desired weight to be attained, which allow the weightedplates to held by the pockets, while achieving a given load in thenicking article 2. While the weighted plates are described as being a 10lbs. plate and a 20 lbs. plate, the weighted plates, however, can have avariety of weights. For example, the weighted plates may be 10 lbs., 15lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs., 30 lbs., 35 lbs., 40 lbs., 45 lbs. or 50 lbs.,with appropriate adjustments in through hole size and dimension to allowat least two weighted plates to be stacked and inserted in the pockets.

Continuing with FIGS. 12-19, the stackable weighted plates may include afirst weighted plate 120 and a second weighted plate 220. The firstweighted plate 120 may be a 10 lb. plate and the second weighted plate220 may be a 20 lb. plate. By combining the first and second weightedplates 120, 220 into the plate assembly 105, and inserting the plateassembly 105 in the first and second pockets 96, 98, a user can tailorthe weight placed in the nicking article for a given exercise regimen.

Continuing with FIGS. 12-14, the plate assembly 105 includes the firstweighted plate 120 and the second weighted plate 220, as discussedabove. The first weighted plate 120 may have dimensions selected to fitwithin the pockets 96 or 98. For example, the first weighted plate 120includes a plate body 121 having first and second opposed ends 122 and124, first and second opposed sides 126 and 128, first and secondopposed outer surfaces 130 and 132, and at least two through holes 134and 136. The first weighted plate 120 has a length L1 that extends fromthe first end 122 to the second end 124, a width W1 that extends fromthe first side 126 to the second side 128, and a thickness T1 thatextends from the first surface 130 to the second surface 132. The lengthL1, width W1, and thickness T1 are perpendicular to each other. For a 10lb. plate, the length L1 may be 11.50 inches, the width W1 may be 9inches, and thickness T1 may be 0.52 inches.

Referring again to FIGS. 12-14, the first weighted plate 120 may have atleast two through holes 134, 136. More specifically, first through hole134 extends from the first surface 130 to the second surface 132 alongthe thickness T1. The plate body 121 defines the length and widthdimensions of the through hole. In the illustrated embodiment, thelength A of through hole 134 extends from a first inner surface 138 to asecond inner surface 140 along a direction that is parallel to thelength L1 of the plate body 121. The width B of through hole 134 alsoextends from a third inner surface 142 to a fourth inner surface 144along a direction that is parallel to the width W1 of the plate body121. The second through hole 136 has substantially the same dimensionsas the first through hole 134. For a 10 lb. plate, the length A of thethrough holes 134 and 136 may be about 2 inches, while the width B maybe about 6.625 inches. Furthermore, the center points (not shown) of thefirst through hole 134 and the second through hole 136 are located adistance that is closer to the first end 122 and the second end 124,respectively, than a distance the through holes 134 and 136 are locatedrelative to a centerline (not shown) of the first weighted plate 120(where the centerline is equidistant the first end 122 and the secondend 124). In this way, the through holes 134, 136 create a type ofhandle on each weighted plate that allows a user to easily grab andinsert the weighted plate into the pockets 96 or 98. In one example, thefirst through hole 134 and second through hole 136 are spaced about 2inches from the first end 122 and second end 124, respectively. Inaddition, the first through hole 134 and second through hole 136 are1.188 inches from the first side 126 and second side 128, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the second weighted plate 220 may havedimensions selected to fit within the pockets 96 or 98. For example, thesecond weighted plate 220 includes a plate body 221 having first andsecond opposed ends 222 and 224, first and second opposed sides 226 and228, first and second opposed outer surfaces 230 and 232, and at leasttwo through holes 234 and 236. The second weighted plate 220 has alength L2 that extends from the first end 222 to the second end 224, awidth W2 that extends from the first side 226 to the second side 228,and a thickness T2 that extends from the first surface 230 to the secondsurface 232. The length L2, width W2, and thickness T2 are perpendicularto each other. For a 20 lb. plate, the length L2 may be 11.5 inches, thewidth W2 may be 9 inches, and thickness T2 may be 0.84 inches. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length andwidth of the first weighted plate 120 and the second weighted plate 220are substantially the same. In other words, the length L1 of the firstweighted plate 120 and the length L2 of the second weighted plate 220are substantially the same. Similarly, the width W1 of the firstweighted plate 120 and the width W2 of the second weighted plate 220 aresubstantially the same. Thus, when stacked together to create the plateassembly 105, the first and second ends and the first and second sidesof each weighted plate are substantially coplanar. Additionally, whenthe first weighted plate 120 and the second weighted plate 220 arestacked adjacent to each other, the first and second weighted platesslidingly fit in the internal pocket volume of the first pocket of thenicking article.

Continuing with FIGS. 15-17, the second weighted plate 220 may have atleast two through holes 234, 236. More specifically, first through hole234 extends from the first surface 230 to the second surface 232 alongthe thickness T2. The plate body 221 defines the length and widthdimensions of the through hole. In the illustrated embodiment, thelength D of through hole 234 extends from a first inner surface 238 to asecond inner surface 240 along a direction that is parallel to thelength L2 of the plate body 221. The width E of through hole 234 alsoextends from a third inner surface 242 to a fourth inner surface 244along a direction that is parallel to the width W2 of the plate body221. The second through hole 236 of the second weighted plate 220 hassubstantially the same dimensions as the first through hole 234. For a20 lb. plate, the length D of the through holes 234 and 236 may be about1.25 inches, while the width E may be about 4.125 inches. Furthermore,the center points (not shown) of the first through hole 234 and thesecond through hole 236 are located a distance that is closer to thefirst end 222 and the second end 224, respectively, than a distance thethrough holes 234 and 236 are located relative to a centerline (notshown) of the second weighted plate 220 (where the centerline isequidistant the first end 222 and the second end 224). In this way, thethrough holes 234, 236 create a type of handle on each weighted platethat allows a user to easily grab and insert the weighted plate into thepockets 96 or 98. In one example, for the 20 lb. weighted plate 220, thefirst through hole 234 and second through hole 236 are spaced about 1inches from the first end 222 and second end 224, respectively. Inaddition, the first through hole 234 and second through hole 236 are2.43 inches from the first side 226 and second side 228, respectively.The dimensions of the first and second through holes of the firstweighted plate 120 are different from dimensions of the first and secondthrough holes of the second weighted plate 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the closure system 12 may be used toselectively open and close the nicking article 2 to permit access to aninterior of the article 2. The closure system 12 includes a firstclosure element 18 fixed to an entirety of the outward edge 28 of thesidewall assembly 22. A second closure element 20 is fixed to the topand side edges of the front panel 30. The front panel 30 is coupled, orfixed, to the base 4. The first and second closure elements 18 and 20are thus configured to selectively engage with each other so that aportion of the front panel 30 is removably coupled to the top 6 and atleast a portion of each of the lateral sides 8, 10 of the ruckingarticle 2. In this configuration, the rucking article 2 can open flat sothat it is easier to access the internal pockets and otherwise organizeits contents. In alternative embodiments, the closure system 12, e.g.,the first and second closure elements 18, 20, may extend along only aportion of the lateral sides and/or top of the nicking article 2. Forexample, the closure system 12 may extend along only the top of therucking article 2. In various embodiments of the nicking article 2, theclosure system 12, e.g., a zipper, can be made with silent, glovefriendly zipper pulls constructed from parachute cord, which, in oneexample is a 550 denier cord. Other types of closures, pulls, and cordsizes may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 4 also includes a durable handle 27that can be used to grab the article as described further below and thetop 6 include a durable handle 29. Though not shown, the lateral sidescan further comprise side durable handles. The base 4 may includevarious reinforced drainage ports allowing fluid to pass through asneeded. The nicking article 2 may also include a hip belt assemblycoupled thereto proximate the base 4. The top 6 also includes a port 123(FIG. 5) with a hook and loop closure overlying the port. The port 123is sized for a tube of a hydration bladder positionable inside thenicking article 2. High visibility straps may be used as a reflectivemember and may be placed along the shoulder straps and on the frontpanel for safety.

Each of the various components, such as the back panel, front panel,top, base, and sides are comprised of durable woven fabrics. The articleis comprised of tear and wear resistant fabrics comprised of 1000 denierCORDURA® yarns. Any number of weave constructions and deniers may beused, however. However, a less abrasive fabric may be used on the backpanel and underside of the shoulder straps to reduce friction and thelike. The back panel and shoulder straps, for example, may be comprisedof woven fabrics comprising 210 denier, High Tenacity CORDURA® yarns.

The nicking article 2, in general, has a size and shape to fitcomfortably on the user's upper torso. More specifically, the nickingarticle 2 has an overall width W that extends from lateral side 8 tolateral side 10, an overall height H that extends from the base 4 to thetop 6 and that is perpendicular to the overall width W, and an overalldepth D that extends from an exterior side 52 of the back panel 50 tothe exterior side 32 of the front panel 30. The overall depth D issubstantially perpendicular to the overall height H and the overallwidth W. In one exemplary embodiment, the rucking article 2 has anoverall width W between 10.0 inches and 13.0 inches, an overall height Hbetween 15.0 inches and 22.0 inches, and an overall depth D between 4.0inches and 7.25 inches. Furthermore, the nicking article 2 is designedto have an overall weight that can vary between about 2.30 lbs. andabout 3.30 lbs. In some cases, the overall weight of the nicking articlemay vary outside of these specific ranges.

While the disclosure is described herein, using a limited number ofembodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure as otherwise described and claimed herein. Theprecise arrangement of various elements and order of the steps ofarticles and methods described herein are not to be considered limiting.For instance, although the steps of the methods are described withreference to sequential series of reference signs and progression of theblocks in the figures, the method can be implemented in an order asdesired.

1. A rucking system, comprising: a rucking article having a base, a topspaced from the base, lateral sides that extend from the base toward thetop, a front panel coupled to the base, a back panel coupled to thebase, the top, and the lateral sides, the back panel having an exteriorside, an interior side opposite the exterior side, and a first pocket onthe interior side, wherein the first pocket has an internal pocketvolume; a first plate having a first length, a first width that isperpendicular to the first length, a first thickness that isperpendicular to the first length and the first width, and a firstweight; and a second plate having a second length, a second width thatis perpendicular to the second length, a second thickness that isperpendicular to the second length and the second width, and a secondweight that is the same as the first weight or greater than the firstweight, wherein the first length and the second length are substantiallythe same and the first width and the second width are substantially thesame, such that, when the first plate and the second plate are stackedadjacent to each other to form a plate assembly, the plate assemblyslidingly fits in substantially an entirety of the internal pocketvolume of the first pocket.
 2. The nicking system according to claim 1,wherein the first plate has a first end, a second end opposite the firstend, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, whereinthe second plate has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, afirst side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein when thefirst plate and the second plate are stacked adjacent to each other toform the plate assembly, the first ends of the first and second platesare coplanar, the second ends of the first and second plates arecoplanar, the first sides of the first and second plates are coplanar,and the second sides of the first and second plates are coplanar.
 3. Thenicking system according to claim 1, wherein the first plate has a firstend, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a secondside opposite the first side, wherein the first length extends from thefirst end to the second end of the first plate, the first width extendsfrom the first side to the second side of the first plate, wherein thefirst length is about 11.5 inches and the first width is about 9 inches.4. The nicking system according to claim 1, wherein the first weight ofthe first plate is 10 lbs., and the second weight of the second plate is20 lbs.
 5. The nicking system according to claim 1, wherein the firstplate has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a firstside, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first platehas a first through hole that extends along the first thickness, and asecond through hole that extends along the first thickness, wherein thefirst and second through holes are positioned a distance that is closerto the first end and the second end, respectively, than a distance to acenterline of the first plate, wherein the centerline is equidistantbetween the first end and the second end, and is parallel to the firstwidth.
 6. The nicking system according to claim 1, wherein the firstplate has a first through hole that extends along the first thickness,and a second through hole that extends along the first thickness,wherein the second plate has a first through hole that extends along thesecond thickness, and a second through hole that extends along thesecond thickness, wherein dimensions of the first and second throughholes of the first plate are different from dimensions of the first andsecond through holes of the second plate.
 7. The nicking systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a pocket assembly having atleast the first pocket comprising a first pocket panel attached to theinterior side of the back panel, wherein the first pocket panel isspaced apart from the base and lies proximate the top, such that thefirst pocket panel is biased toward the top of the back panel.
 8. Thenicking system according to claim 7, wherein the rucking article furthercomprises: a plurality of pad members on the exterior side that extendacross a width of the back panel; and a lumbar support member locatedbetween the plurality of pad members and the base, wherein the lumbarsupport member has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of anyone of the plurality of pad members, wherein the first pocket does notoverlie any portion of the lumbar support member.
 9. The nicking systemaccording to claim 8, wherein the back panel has a height that extendsfrom the base to the top, and a width that is perpendicular to theheight, wherein a bottom end of the first pocket panel is spaced from abottom edge of the back panel a distance that is between 20% and 30% ofa total height of the back panel.
 10. The nicking system according toclaim 9, wherein the pocket assembly includes a second pocket comprisinga second pocket panel that overlies the first pocket panel.
 11. Thenicking system according to claim 1, wherein the back panel has a heightthat extends from the base to the top, and a width that is perpendicularto the height, wherein the nicking article further comprises: aplurality of pad members on the exterior side that extend across a widthof the back panel; a lumbar support member located between the pluralityof pad members and the base, wherein the lumbar support member has athickness that is greater than a thickness of any one of the pluralityof pad members; a closure that removably couples the front panel to thetop and at least a portion of each of the lateral sides, such that theclosure is configured to permit access to an interior of the nickingarticle; a pocket assembly coupled to the interior side of the backpanel, the pocket assembly having at least the first pocket, the firstpocket having a pocket width, a pocket length that is perpendicular tothe pocket width, a pocket depth that is perpendicular to the pocketwidth and the pocket length, and a closure flap, wherein the pocketlength, pocket width and pocket depth define the internal pocket volume;and an internal frame assembly inside a compartment of the back panel,the internal frame assembly extending from the base to the top withinthe compartment, such that, the internal frame assembly provides rigidsupport to the back panel along an entirety of the height of the backpanel and the width of the back panel.
 12. The nicking system accordingto claim 11, further comprising shoulder straps configured to secure thenicking article to a wearer, and a sternum strap removably coupled tothe shoulder straps and configured to be selectively clasped.
 13. Thenicking system according to claim 12, wherein the combination of thelumbar support member, the internal frame assembly, and the sternumstrap are configured to maintain stability of the nicking system duringactive movement by the wearer when the nicking article is worn, and thesternum strap is clasped.
 14. The nicking system according to claim 12,wherein the lumbar support member extends across an entirety of thewidth of the back panel, and between 10% and 25% of the height of theback panel.
 15. The nicking system according to claim 11, wherein theplurality of pad members define a plurality of planar contact surfacesthat lie along a first plane, and the lumbar support member defines acontact surface that lies along a second plane, wherein a thicknessbetween the lumbar support member and any one of the plurality of padmembers extends perpendicularly from the first plane to the second planeand is between 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches.
 16. The nicking systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the internal frame assembly comprises aplanar rigid member and a foam layer adjacent to the planar rigidmember.
 17. A rucking system, comprising: a first plate having a firstend, a second end opposite the first end, a first length that extendsfrom the first end to the second end, a first width that isperpendicular to the first length, a first thickness that isperpendicular to the first length and the first width, and a firstweight, wherein the first length is greater than the first width and thefirst thickness; and a second plate having a first end, a second endopposite the first end, a second length that extends from the first endof the second plate to the second end of the second plate, a secondwidth that is perpendicular to the second length, a second thicknessthat is perpendicular to the second length and the second width, and asecond weight that is the same as the first weight or greater than thefirst weight, wherein the second length is greater than the second widthand the second thickness, wherein the first length of the first plateand the second length of the second plate are substantially the same andthe first width of the first plate and the second width of the secondplate are substantially the same, such that, when the first plate andthe second plate are stacked adjacent to each other, the first andsecond plates slidingly fit in an internal pocket volume of a pocketinside a nicking article.
 18. The nicking system according to claim 17,wherein the first plate has a first side, and a second side opposite thefirst side, wherein the second plate has a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side, wherein when the first plate and the secondplate are stacked adjacent to each other to form a plate assembly, anentirety of the first ends of the first and second plates are coplanar,an entirety of the second ends of the first and second plates arecoplanar, an entirety of the first sides of the first and second platesare coplanar, and an entirety of the second sides of the first andsecond plates are coplanar.
 19. The nicking system according to claim17, wherein the first plate has a first through hole and a secondthrough hole located at or near first and second ends of the firstplate, respectively, wherein the first and second through holes of thefirst plate extend along the first thickness, wherein the second platefurther has a first through hole and a second through hole located at ornear opposed ends of the second plate, wherein the first and secondthrough holes of the second plate extend along the second thickness, anddimensions of the first and second through holes of the first plate aredifferent from dimensions of the first and second through holes of thesecond plate.
 20. The nicking system according to claim 17, wherein thefirst width extends from a first side to a second side of the firstplate, wherein the first length is about 11.5 inches and the first widthis about 9 inches.
 21. The nicking system according to claim 19, whereinthe first and second through holes of the first plate are positioned adistance that is closer to the first end and the second end,respectively, of the first plate, than a distance from the first andsecond through holes to a centerline of the first plate, wherein thecenterline is equidistant between the first end and the second end, andis parallel to the first width of the first plate.
 22. The nickingsystem according to claim 21, wherein the first and second through holesof the second plate are positioned a distance that is closer to thefirst end and the second end, respectively, of the second plate, than adistance from the first and second through holes to a centerline of thesecond plate, wherein the centerline is equidistant between the firstend and the second end, and is parallel to the second width of thesecond plate.
 23. The nicking system according to claim 17, wherein thefirst weight of the first plate is 10 lbs., and the second weight of thesecond plate is 20 lbs.
 24. The nicking system according to claim 17,further comprising a nicking article having the pocket, wherein thepocket is inside the nicking article and is further sized to slidinglyreceive the first and second plates when stacked together.
 25. Thenicking system according to claim 17, further comprising a nickingarticle, the nicking article having: a base; a top spaced from the base;lateral sides that extend from the base toward the top; a front panelcoupled to the base; a back panel coupled to the base, the top, and thelateral sides, the back panel having an exterior side, an interior sideopposite the exterior side, a height that extends from the base to thetop, and a width that is perpendicular to the height; a plurality of padmembers on the exterior side that extend across the width of the backpanel; a lumbar support member located between the plurality of padmembers and the base, wherein the lumbar support member has a thicknessthat is greater than a thickness of any one of the plurality of padmembers; a closure that removably couples the front panel to the top andat least a portion of each of the lateral sides, such that the closureis configured to permit access to an interior of the nicking article; apocket assembly coupled to the interior side of the back panel, thepocket assembly having at least the pocket with a pocket width, a pocketlength that is perpendicular to the pocket width, a pocket depth that isperpendicular to the pocket width and the pocket length, and a closureflap, wherein the pocket length, pocket width and pocket depth definethe internal pocket volume; an internal frame assembly inside acompartment of the back panel, the internal frame assembly extendingfrom the base to the top within the compartment, such that, the internalframe assembly provides rigid support to the back panel along anentirety of the height of the back panel and the width of the backpanel; and shoulder straps configured to secure the nicking article to awearer.